Summary

Volume 1, Letters 1-10 (pages 89-119)

After opening with a verse dedicated “To Charles Burney,” her father, Frances Burney appeals “To The Authors of the Monthly and Critical Reviews” to protect her work and judge it fairly. “The Preface” serves as a defense of “Evelina,” claiming that she seeks to mimic nature without causing moral injury, despite choosing to write in the commonly immoral genre of novels. "Evelina- In a Series of Letters" begins with Lady Howard writing Reverend Villars that she has received a letter from Madame Duval who plans to visit England in order to renew her acquaintance with Evelina Anville, her granddaughter and Villars' ward. Mr. Villars objects to sending Evelina to Mme. Duval because he fears she is not a proper guardian. Also, he worries that Mme. Duval's influence could lead Evelina to an untimely, shameful death...